Tania-Joy Bartlett, a Master Electrician and workplace safety advocate, is using her recent spotlight interview to emphasize that culture, not just training, will determine whether the next generation enters and remains in skilled trades. Canada faces a significant shortage of tradespeople, with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) projecting a need for over 225,000 additional workers by 2027. Bartlett contends that younger workers often leave roles where they feel unsafe, unheard, or disrespected, stating, "People don't walk away from the work itself. They walk away from how they're treated while doing it."
In her interview, Bartlett explains that safety and respect are practical daily practices that directly impact productivity and retention. She recalls worksites where simple changes, such as daily check-ins and clear communication, reduced mistakes and tension within days. "I've seen crews go from scattered to focused just because they finally felt comfortable speaking up," she says. "When people feel respected, they stop hiding problems." Research supports this perspective, with the Health and Safety Executive reporting that poor workplace culture contributes to higher accident rates, and studies showing that respectful workplaces report hazards earlier, reducing serious incidents.
Bartlett highlights that dense urban worksites operate under constant pressure from tight schedules, diverse teams, and public scrutiny, increasing risk when standards slip. She notes, "When pressure goes up, that's when culture shows. You either protect people, or you push them until something breaks." She argues that improving worksite culture is one of the fastest ways to stabilize the workforce and attract younger talent, rather than relying solely on training initiatives. For more information on industry projections, visit https://www.citb.org.uk.
Instead of calling for large policy changes, Bartlett encourages individual action, suggesting supervisors model calm communication, workers speak up early about hazards, employers remove toxic behavior immediately, and mentors guide rather than intimidate. She also urges parents and educators to present trades as skilled, respected careers. "You don't need a new rulebook," Bartlett says. "You need people willing to treat each other properly every day." This approach addresses the core issue behind the trades shortage, making it essential for industry sustainability and worker well-being.
